The Detroit Pistons have an All-Star in Blake Griffin and the league's top rebounder in Andre Drummond. They have an enigmatic point guard in Reggie Jackson, whose production has been on the upswing in recent weeks, and a solid sixth man in Jackson's backup, Ish Smith.

Beyond that, your guess is as good as coach Dwane Casey's in terms of what the remainder of the roster can do.

Part of it was due to Casey's desire to throw his two newcomers, 7-foot-1 Thon Maker and rookie wing Svi Mykhailiuk, into the fire. Maker, who was unhappy with his playing time with the conference-leading Milwaukee Bucks, played eight scoreless minutes in his Pistons debut. Mykhailiuk, who was buried on the Los Angeles Lakers' bench, shot 1-for-4 from the field and added two assists in nine minutes.

"Just trying to figure out who can do what," Casey said. "I want to see what Svi can do. I wanted to see Thon and how he fit in. I know who he is, just wanted to see how he would fit it during a game situation."

Maker can make a difference on the defensive end with his length and shot blocking. Casey can envision games where Maker and Drummond will form a disruptive duo in the lane.

"If people want to drive down the paint against that length and size," Casey said, "it should be a positive for us."

Offensively, Maker's contributions are often limited to corner threes. He didn't take any of those Friday. He posted up along the baseline in garbage time with his teammates trying to get him a basket and shot an airball.

"I got too excited on that one," he said. "I've got to take my time next time and get what I want instead."

Maker was trying to get used to the new terminology as well as finding the right spots on the court.

"On the offensive end, I was a little bit lost but they just told me to continue to play hard," Maker said. "On the defensive end, I was OK."

Mykhailiuk made a 3-pointer late and if he can hit those consistently, he might carve out a rotation spot. Trouble is, Casey is in mix-and-match mode at three positions, so roles may not be well defined the rest of the way.

Rookie Bruce Brown remains in the starting lineup but doesn't provide an offensive threat. Langston Galloway started at the other wing spot but that could change quickly if, as expected, veteran guard Wayne Ellington signs with Detroit after clearing waivers.

Luke Kennard theoretically should see his role expand but he has to shoot better than he did against the Knicks, as he went 4-for-13 from the field while scoring 12 points.

Mario Hezonja #8 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on February 08, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images

Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks loses the ball after a defensive play by Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on February 08, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images

Allonzo Trier #14 of the New York Knicks drives around Khyri Thomas #13 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on February 08, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images

Another rookie, Khyri Thomas, has gradually seen his role grow in recent weeks. He scored five points in 20 minutes and has the defensive tenacity Casey covets.

Even Glenn Robinson III, a forgotten man after starting earlier this season, might have found a new role. He was used as an undersized power forward, a role Johnson previously held, and played most of the fourth quarter.

It's a jumble for Casey to figure out. Griffin and the other regulars will have to adjust to different combinations, perhaps on a game-by-game basis.

"As players, you've got to trust the front office," Griffin said. "They know what they're doing. Obviously, we miss those guys (Bullock and Johnson) a lot, I wish them the best. But you hope to get some guys that come in right away and help out. I think we've got that in Thon and Svi."